Current association: Adkins & Associates Land Services, LLC, Appalachian Mineral Ventures, LLC, Mountain V Oil & Gas, Inc.

Past associations: The Keeton Group, BlackBurn Natural Resources, BlackBurn Exploration

Education: University of Kentucky, BA Political Science

Spouse: Kathy Crawley-Adkins                   

Children: Rebecca Adkins, Rachel Faulls               

Hometown: Pikeville, Kentucky      

Favorite restaurant: Local Tie – Dudley’s and Frankie and Dino’s

EMLF Involvement: Member since 2005, Past AAPL Liaison

You’ve been involved in the land acquisition and title services business for over twenty years.  What initially drew you to this area and how did you first get involved? Growing up in a family involved in the coal, timber and natural gas industries in eastern Kentucky in the 1970’s and 1980’s I received an early and rather thorough education in complex mineral and property title and associated curative issues and underwent something of a baptism by fire early on. I was also blessed to have been taught the esoteric art and science of Appalachian title abstracting by some excellent mentors. These unique experiences in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia served me well in later years as we ventured out across the App and Illinois Basins after joining up with The Keeton Group as the New Albany and Marcellus Shale plays land grab was kicking off in 2004/2005 and then later in the Utica and Rogersville plays. Looking back now as the dust is still settling after nearly thirty active years in the business, by our own estimation we have examined title across 25 states and 350+ counties while reviewing more than five million net acres of mineral title, leased in excess of 1.5 million net acres, and purchased by conveyance 600,000+ acres of fee and mineral properties for clients. I believe it just goes to prove that if you can start out compiling and navigating accurate mineral title chains and effectively mitigating risk in Pike County, KY or McDowell County, WV anywhere else is probably a walk in the park.

Over the years, you have been very active in various mineral or energy organizations. What has EMLF meant to you? Has your involvement had a positive effect on your career? Early in my career it was impressed upon me by mentors whose opinion I greatly valued such as Russ Schetroma, Chester Keeton and George Mason, among many others, that in order to be truly successful and to stay consistently busy and respected as an Appalachian-based land broker or landman that I needed to become involved with two seminal industry organizations- EMLF and AAPL. Both offered not only valuable continuing education and practical insight into timely trends and issues as they emerge, but both also offer the absolute best professional networking opportunities available. This has proven true time and time again. I can’t count how many times I’ve been on projects across the country with colleagues or maybe I was referred by someone whom I had previously met or worked with through EMLF or AAPL. I think involvement and membership in EMLF over time indicates a commitment to the highest quality and ethical standards in mineral law and land work and a professionalism that shines through to others.

Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? My wife and I and my family love to travel and often combine work and pleasure trips. We especially love Jensen Beach, Florida, anywhere in Colorado, and Douglas Lake, Tennessee. My youngest daughter Rebecca just started college in New York City this fall so we have been spending more time there and we just love strolling around in the Big Apple, especially Central Park, Chelsea and the jazz clubs and bookstores in Greenwich Village.

Favorite books/authors, genre? Other hobbies? I’m really a non-fiction type of guy who usually enjoys historical narratives, biographies and the such but I also enjoy reading Hemmingway and Robert Frost when I’m trying to unwind and relax. I also enjoy fishing of all sorts- stream fly-fishing, freshwater lakes, and saltwater. Although I never find enough time to do it as much as I would like, I’ve been a guitar player since I was 12 years old and enjoy playing with multiple partners in crime as often as the opportunity presents itself. If you’ve never been camping during a three-day bluegrass festival you just simply don’t know what you’re missing. And of course, following the University of Kentucky Wildcats football and basketball teams and the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers take up an inordinate amount of my free time from August-April each year.

You have been in the field for a number of years and have had substantial success.  Is there any advice you would give to new land professionals who are just starting out? Never, ever compromise your integrity and always be honest and truthful in all situations whether sitting at the kitchen table with a landowner or sitting in a board room full of C-level executives. Also, don’t ever think you’ve seen and done it all in your area of expertise, there’s always something new and unanticipated or unencountered awaiting just around the next corner. Use those confounding moments as learning opportunities each time they present themselves. Finally, keep an eye on the bottom line and remember: “When your outflow exceeds your income, your upkeep becomes your downfall.”